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An electrosurgical device including an elongate body including a rigid
proximal portion, a distal portion, and defining a lumen there though. A
fluid delivery tube is disposed within the lumen. A first electrode
coupled to the distal end of the elongate body is included, the first
electrode is configured to ablate tissue with radiofrequency energy. The
distal portion includes a plurality of slots in fluid communication with
the lumen. The plurality of slots are spaced a longitudinal distance
proximal from the first electrode. The plurality of slots are configured
to aspirate gas released from tissue ablated with the first electrode.
The plurality of slots are further configured to provide malleability to
the distal portion.

1. An electrosurgical device, comprising: an elongate body including a
rigid proximal portion, a distal portion, and defining a lumen there
though, a fluid delivery tube disposed within the lumen; a first
electrode coupled to the distal end of the elongate body, the first
electrode being configured to ablate tissue with radiofrequency energy;
and the distal portion including a plurality of slots in fluid
communication with the lumen, the plurality of slots being spaced a
longitudinal distance proximal from the first electrode, the plurality of
slots being configured to aspirate gas released from tissue ablated with
the first electrode, the plurality of slots being further configured to
provide malleability to the distal portion.

2. The device of claim 1, further including a port in fluid communication
with the fluid delivery tube, the port being disposed distal to the
plurality of slots and proximal to the first electrode, the port being
configured to expel fluid from the fluid delivery tube.

3. The device of claim 2, further include an electrical insulator
disposed between the first electrode and the plurality of slots, and
wherein the port is disposed within the insulator.

4. The device of claim 3, further including a second electrode adjacent
the first electrode, and wherein the electrical insulator is disposed
between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first
electrode and the second electrode are configured to conduct bipolar
radiofrequency energy between each other.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the second electrode is configured to
ablate tissue with the first electrode, and wherein ablating tissue
includes both coagulating and dissecting tissue.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slots are
circumferentially disposed about the elongate body.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the elongate body defines a major
longitudinal axis and where each of the plurality of slots is disposed at
an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of slots provide
malleability to the distal portion in all directions.

9. The device of claim 1, further including a handle coupled to the
proximal end of the elongate body, and wherein the handle includes a
first umbilical in fluid communication with the lumen, the first
umbilical being configured to engage a suction device.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the elongate body defines an opening
within the handle distal to its proximal end, the opening being sized to
receive the fluid delivery tube.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the elongate body includes a sealing
element disposed within the lumen, wherein the sealing element is
configured to prevent aspirated gas from entering the handle.

12. An electrosurgical device, comprising: an elongate body including a
rigid proximal portion, a distal portion, and defining a lumen there
though, a fluid delivery tube disposed within the lumen; a first
electrode coupled to the distal end of the elongate body, the first
electrode being configured to ablate tissue with radiofrequency energy;
the distal portion including a plurality of slotted sections
circumferentially disposed about the elongate body in fluid communication
with the lumen, the plurality of slotted sections being spaced a
longitudinal distance proximal from the first electrode, the plurality of
slotted sections being configured to aspirate gas released from tissue
ablated with the first electrode, the plurality of slotted sections being
further configured to provide malleability to the distal portion in all
directions; and the distal portion defining a plurality of unslotted
sections, each unslotted section being disposed between adjacent slotted
sections, the unslotted sections providing stiffness to the distal
portion.

13. The device of claim 12, further including a port in fluid
communication with the fluid delivery tube, the port being disposed
distal to the plurality of slotted sections and proximal to the first
electrode, the port being configured to expel fluid from the fluid
delivery tube.

14. The device of claim 13, further include an electrical insulator
disposed between the first electrode and the plurality of slotted
sections, and wherein the port is disposed within the insulator.

15. The device of claim 14, further including a second electrode adjacent
the first electrode, and wherein the electrical insulator is disposed
between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first
electrode and the second electrode are configured to conduct bipolar
radiofrequency energy between each other.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein the elongate body defines a major
longitudinal axis, and wherein each of the plurality of slotted sections
is disposed at an angle with respect the major longitudinal axis.

17. The device of claim 12, wherein each slot in the plurality of slotted
sections is defines a width between 0.01 inches and 0.03 inches.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of slotted
sections includes between twenty and thirty slots.

19. The device of claim 12, wherein each slot in the plurality of slotted
sections is offset from an adjacent one of the plurality of slots by an
angle between 10 degrees and 30 degrees.

20. An electrosurgical device, comprising: an elongate body including a
rigid proximal portion, a distal portion, and defining a lumen there
though, a fluid delivery tube disposed within the lumen; a first
electrode and a second electrode coupled to the distal end of the
elongate body, the first electrode and the second electrode defining a
substantially co-planar surface, the first electrode and the second
electrode being configured to ablate tissue with radiofrequency energy;
the distal portion including a plurality of slotted sections
circumferentially disposed about the elongate body in fluid communication
with the lumen, the plurality of slotted sections being spaced a
longitudinal distance proximal from the first electrode, the plurality of
slotted sections being configured to aspirate gas released from tissue
ablated with the first electrode and the second electrode, the plurality
of slotted sections being further configured to provide malleability to
the distal portion in all directions, each slot in the plurality of
slotted sections defines a width between 0.01 inches and 0.03 inches,
each of the plurality of slotted sections includes between twenty and
thirty slots, each slot in the plurality of slotted sections is offset
from an adjacent one of the plurality of slots by an angle between 10
degrees and 30 degrees; and the distal portion defining a plurality of
unslotted sections, each unslotted section being disposed between
adjacent slotted sections, the unslotted sections providing stiffness to
the distal portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] n/a

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] n/a

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to electrosurgical devices and
systems, and in particular, an electrosurgical device having an integral
and malleable suction feature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An electrosurgical device is a medical device configured to treat a
patient's tissue with radiofrequency energy to dissect and/or to
coagulate a target tissue region. Such electrosurgical devices typically
include a hand piece with one or more electrodes at the distal end of the
hand piece in electrical communication with a radiofrequency generator.
Some of those electrosurgical devices also include the capability to
irrigate the target tissue region with saline. However, when irrigation
is utilized during application of radiofrequency energy, or when
radiofrequency energy is used to treat a target tissue region having
water, large amounts smoke and/or steam may be produced that can hinder
the surgeons ability to treat the target tissue region by blocking a
clear view of the treatment region and by providing unwanted materials at
the treatment site.

[0005] Accordingly, smoke evacuators have been developed to suction smoke
and electrosurgical byproducts from the surgical site, such as charred
tissue. A smoke evacuator typically includes a separate suction tube in
fluid communication with a vacuum source. Surgeons often must stop the
procedure as smoke builds up around the surgical site to suction to the
smoke and the additional tube is often cumbersome and may interfere with
the procedure. For example, a surgical staff person other than the
surgeon must usually hold and manipulate the end of the suction tube
while the surgeon manipulates the electrosurgical device during the
medical procedure. Thus, treatment times and costs of such
electrosurgical procedures are often increased.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention advantageously provides an electrosurgical
device including an elongate body including a rigid proximal portion, a
distal portion, and defining a lumen there though. A fluid delivery tube
is disposed within the lumen. A first electrode coupled to the distal end
of the elongate body is included, the first electrode is configured to
ablate tissue with radiofrequency energy. The distal portion includes a
plurality of slots in fluid communication with the lumen. The plurality
of slots are spaced a longitudinal distance proximal from the first
electrode. The plurality of slots are configured to aspirate gas released
from tissue ablated with the first electrode. The plurality of slots are
further configured to provide malleability to the distal portion.

[0007] In another embodiment, the electrosurgical device includes an
elongate body including a rigid proximal portion, a distal portion, and
defining a lumen there though. A fluid delivery tube is disposed within
the lumen. A first electrode coupled to the distal end of the elongate
body is included, the first electrode is configured to ablate tissue with
radiofrequency energy. The distal portion includes a plurality of slotted
sections circumferentially disposed about the elongate body in fluid
communication with the lumen. The plurality of slotted sections are
spaced a longitudinal distance proximal from the first electrode. The
plurality of slotted sections are configured to aspirate gas released
from tissue ablated with the first electrode. The plurality of slotted
sections are further configured to provide malleability to the distal
portion in all directions. The distal portion defines a plurality of
unslotted sections, each unslotted section is disposed between adjacent
slotted sections, the unslotted sections provide stiffness to the distal
portion.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the electrosurgical device includes an
elongate body including a rigid proximal portion, a distal portion, and
defining a lumen there though. A fluid delivery tube is disposed within
the lumen. A first electrode and a second electrode are coupled to the
distal end of the elongate body. The first electrode and the second
electrode define a substantially co-planar surface. The first electrode
and the second electrode are configured to ablate tissue with
radiofrequency energy. The distal portion includes a plurality of slotted
sections circumferentially disposed about the elongate body in fluid
communication with the lumen. The plurality of slotted sections are
spaced a longitudinal distance proximal from the first electrode. The
plurality of slotted sections are configured to aspirate gas released
from tissue ablated with the first electrode and the second electrode.
The plurality of slotted sections are further configured to provide
malleability to the distal portion in all directions. Each slot in the
plurality of slotted sections defines a width between 0.01 inches and
0.03 inches. Each of the plurality of slotted sections includes between
twenty and thirty slots. Each slot in the plurality of slotted sections
is offset from an adjacent one of the plurality of slots by an angle
between 10 degrees and 30 degrees. The distal portion defines a plurality
of unslotted sections, each unslotted section is disposed between
adjacent slotted sections, the unslotted sections provide stiffness to
the distal portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the
attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is front perspective view of an electrosurgical device
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present application;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a handle portion of the
electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a distal portion of the
electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the distal portion of the electrosurgical
device shown in FIG. 3 treating tissue and aspirating smoke from the
treatment site; and

[0014] FIG. 5 is a zoomed in view of a plurality of slots on the distal
portion shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] As used here, relational terms, such as "first" and "second,"
"over" and "under," "front and rear," and the like, may be used solely to
distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without
necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or
order between such entities or elements.

[0016] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference designators
refer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 an electrosurgical
device constructed in accordance with the present application and
designated generally as "10." The device 10 may include an elongate body
12 defining a proximal portion 14, a distal portion 16, and a lumen 18
there through. The proximal portion 14 may be rigid and may be composed
of, for example, stainless steel, titanium, or other metals or metal
alloys, and may be coupled to a handle 20 at its proximal end. In one
configuration, the proximal portion 14 defines a bend such that a section
of the proximal portion 14 coupled to the handle 20 is off-set from a
more distal section of the proximal portion 14. In other configurations,
the proximal portion 14 is substantially linear in shape, however, it may
define any shape as extends toward the distal portion 16.

[0017] The distal portion 16 may be continuous with the proximal portion
14 and at least a portion of the distal portion 16 may define a plurality
of slotted sections 22 disposed about the elongate body 12. In one
configuration, the plurality of slotted sections 22 are circumferentially
disposed about the distal portion 16. Each one of the plurality of
slotted sections 22 may include a plurality of slots 24 in fluid
communication with the lumen 18. Each of the plurality of slots 24
defines a length of approximately between 0.05 in--0.07 in or a radial
length around the elongate body 12 equal to between 0.3 and 0.5 of the
diameter of the elongate body 12 depending on the diameter of the
elongate body 12. and may define a width of approximately 0.01 mm to 0.05
mm. In an exemplary configuration eight slotted sections 22 are included
along distal portion 16 spaced a longitudinal distance apart from an
adjacent section 22, each slotted section having between 20 and 30 slots
24. In other configurations, any number of slotted sections 22 may be
included having any number of slots 24. The plurality of slotted sections
22 are configured to provide malleability to the distal portion 16 where
the slots 24 are included. In particular, the slots 24 may be laser or
machine cut into the elongate body 12, thereby reducing the strength and
rigidity of the elongate body 12 in the distal portion 16 such that the
distal portion 16 is malleable up to 360 degrees in all directions. In
particular, the distal portion 16 may be transitionable from a
substantially linear configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, to a second
position, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 3, until
manipulated to a third position. To lend malleability to the distal
portion, a plurality of unslotted sections 26 are disposed between
adjacent slotted sections 22. The unslotted sections 26 are uncut
portions of the elongate body 12 that add strength to the distal portion
16 to facilitate the malleability of the distal portion 16. In an
exemplary configuration, each unslotted section 26 is approximately the
same width each slot 24, however, in other configurations, the unslotted
sections 26 may define a larger width which may increase the stiffness of
the distal portion 16.

[0018] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, disposed distal to the most distal
slotted section 22 may be an intermediation section 28 of the elongate
body 12. The intermediate section 28 may be an unslotted rigid portion of
the elongate body 12 that defines one or more apertures 30 for connection
of a treatment tip 32 to the distal end of the elongate body 12. In
particular, the one or more apertures 30 of the intermediate section 28
may be sized to receive one or more tabs (not shown) on an electrical
insulator 34 affixable to the intermediate section 28. The one or more
tabs may be molded, welded, glued or otherwise affixed within the one or
more apertures 30, or alternatively may releasably mate with the one or
more apertures 30 such that the treatment tip may be modular with the
elongate body 12. In one configuration, the affixation of the one or more
tabs within the one or more apertures 30 provides an electrical
connection between the elongate body 12 and the treatment tip 32. For
example, disposed within the insulator 34 may be one or more conductors
(not shown) that connect with one or more conductors disposed within the
elongate body 12.

[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical insulator 34 may be
ceramic or other electrical insulators known in the art. The electrical
insulator 34 may define the same circumference to that of the
intermediate section 28 and that of the elongate body 12 to provide for a
uniform circumference along the length of the distal portion 16. In one
configuration, the insulator 34 defines a port 36 in fluid communication
with a fluid delivery tube 38 (seen in FIG. 2) disposed within the lumen
18. The port 36 may be sized to perfuse a conductive fluid, for example,
saline out of the port 36 and onto a target tissue region. In one
configuration, two ports 36 are disposed on opposite sides of the
insulator 34, however, any number of ports 36 are contemplated. The fluid
delivery tube 38 may be disposed within the lumen 18 and extend from
within the handle 20 to the port 36. In an exemplary configuration, the
fluid delivery tube 38 is in fluid communication with a fluid source (not
shown) and a pump 40 disposed on a radiofrequency generator 42 configured
to pump a fluid within the fluid delivery tube 38 toward the distal end
of the device 10. For example, one or more actuators 44 may be included
on the handle 20 that allow the activation of one or more features of the
device 10, for example, fluid flow and radio frequency energy
transmission. One of the actuators 44 may facilitate the flow of fluid
from the fluid source, into the pump 40, through a fluid delivery
umbilical 46 that includes a connector to connect the device 10 to the
generator 42.

[0020] The fluid delivery tube 38 may be flexible and non-conductive and
defines an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the elongate
body 12 such that a vacuum space 48 is defined between the fluid delivery
tube 38 and the elongate body 12 within the lumen 18. The vacuum space 48
may define a pathway through which smoke, steam, and biological material
may be aspirated through the plurality of slots 24 from a surgical
treatment site. In particular, a vacuum umbilical 50 may be in fluid
communication with the lumen 18, in particular, the vacuum space 48
between the fluid delivery tube 38 and the inner wall of the elongate
body 12 and may be further connected to a vacuum (not shown), which may
be integrated with the generator 42 or may be a separate unit. The vacuum
may automatically suction smoke, steam, and biological material during a
procedure, and substantially simultaneously perfuse saline to the
treatment site. For example, the generator 42 may be configured to
irrigate the treatment site with saline while at the same time or
sequentially, vacuum smoke and steam generated during treatment.

[0021] Disposed at the treatment tip 32 may be at least one electrode 52
configured to transmit radio frequency energy to the treatment site. In
one configuration, the at least electrode 52 defines a crescent or
semi-circular shape and defines the same or similar diameter as that of
the elongate body 12. In other configurations, the at least one electrode
52 may be any shape or size and may define a substantially planar
surface, a blunt surface, or a sharp surface. The at least one electrode
52 may be in electrical communication with the radiofrequency generator
42 through one or more conductors (not shown) extending through the
elongate body 12. When the treatment tip 32 is attached to the distal end
of the elongate body 12 the at least one electrode 52 is placed in
electrical communication with the one or more conductors. The handle 20
may include one or more electrical connectors 54 extending from its
proximal end that connect to the radiofrequency generator 42 such that
different a different voltages and power levels may be applied to the at
least one electrode 52. In an exemplary configuration, the at least one
electrode 52 is configured to deliver monopolar energy to the target
tissue region. For example, a reference electrode (not shown) may be
included as a back plate that connects to the generator 42. The voltage
and power levels applied to the at least one electrode 52 may be provided
to cut or coagulate tissue. In other configurations, a second electrode
56 may be included proximate the at least one electrode 52. In such a
configuration, the insulator 34 may be disposed between the electrode 52
and the electrode 56, for example as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The second
electrode 56 may substantially the same size and shape as the electrode
52 and may be shielded from conducting radiofrequency energy with the
electrode 52. For example, the distal portion 16 may include the
components disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,216,233 filed Mar. 21, 2008, the
entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, along
with an internal evacuation passageway in fluid communication with the
slots.

[0022] In an exemplary use of the device 10, for example as shown in FIG.
4, the treatment tip 32 may be pressed against a target tissue in a
vertical orientation. In other configurations, owing the malleability of
the distal portion 16, the treatment tip 32 may be disposed at angle with
respect to the major longitudinal axis of the elongate body 12. The user
may press the actuator 44 to provide power to the electrode 52 and second
electrode 56 and/or initiate a flow of saline through the fluid delivery
tube 38. The saline provides a conductive medium such that bipolar
radiofrequency may flow between the electrode 52 and the second electrode
56, which may coagulate and seal the target tissue region. The saline may
exit the port 36 energized with radiofrequency energy, or alternatively
may be energized upon perfusion onto the target tissue. As a result of
radiofrequency energy treatment from the electrode 52 and second
electrode 56, the saline may begin to boil and release steam. Moreover,
the water within the target tissue may boil and the destroyed tissue may
release smoke. Thus, the suction device may aspirate the smoke and steam
from the target tissue region through the plurality of slots 24 during
the radiofrequency energy treatment without interfering with the
treatment procedure or requiring an additional suction device.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 5, to facilitate aspiration of steam, smoke,
and biological fluids from the treatment site and to facilitate the
malleability of the distal portion 16, the plurality of slots 24 may be
offset from an adjacent slot within the same plurality of sections 22.
For example, each slot 24 may be longitudinally offset by an angle
".theta.," within each of the plurality of slotted sections 22. For
example, each slot may be offset from an adjacent slot by an angle of 15
degrees, such that the plurality of slots 24 in each of the plurality of
slotted sections 22 winds around the circumference of the elongate body
12. In other configurations, the angle .theta. may range between 5 and 30
degrees. The offsetting of adjacent slots 24 provides for the
malleability of the distal portion by facilitating bending of the distal
portion 16 while providing stiffness such that the distal portion 16
remains in a first position until manipulated a section position.

[0024] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the
present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and
described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the
contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are
not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in
light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit
of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.